Yamaha MT-03 - Owner's Manual > Motorcycle care and storage

Care and storage, specifications / Motorcycle care and storage

Care

While the open design of a motorcycle reveals the attractiveness of the technology, it also makes it more vulnerable.

Rust and corrosion can develop even if high-quality components are used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go unnoticed on a car, however, it detracts from the overall appearance of a motorcycle.

Frequent and proper care does not only comply with the terms of the warranty, but it will also keep your motorcycle looking good, extend its life and optimize its performance.

Before cleaning

1. Cover the muffler outlet with a plastic bag after the engine has cooled down.

2. Make sure that all caps and covers as well as all electrical couplers and connectors, including the spark plug cap, are tightly installed.

3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt, like oil burnt onto the crankcase, with a degreasing agent and a brush, but never apply such products onto seals, gaskets, sprockets, the drive chain and wheel axles. Always rinse the dirt and degreaser off with water.

Cleaning

CAUTION:

After normal use

Remove dirt with warm water, a mild detergent, and a soft, clean sponge, and then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Use a toothbrush or bottlebrush for hard-to-reach areas. Stubborn dirt and insects will come off more easily if the area is covered with a wet cloth for a few minutes before cleaning.

After riding in the rain, near the sea or on salt-sprayed roads

Since sea salt or salt sprayed on roads during winter are extremely corrosive in combination with water, carry out the following steps after each ride in the rain, near the sea or on salt-sprayed roads.

NOTE: Salt sprayed on roads in the winter may remain well into spring.

1. Clean the motorcycle with cold water and a mild detergent, after the engine has cooled down.

CAUTION: Do not use warm water since it increases the corrosive action of the salt.

2. Apply a corrosion protection spray on all metal, including chrome- and nickel-plated, surfaces to prevent corrosion.

After cleaning

1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois or an absorbing cloth.

2. Immediately dry the drive chain and lubricate it to prevent it from rusting.

3. Use a chrome polish to shine chrome, aluminum and stainless-steel parts, including the exhaust system. (Even the thermally induced discoloring of stainless-steel exhaust systems can be removed through polishing.)

4. To prevent corrosion, it is recommended to apply a corrosion protection spray on all metal, including chrome- and nickel-plated, surfaces.

5. Use spray oil as a universal cleaner to remove any remaining dirt.

6. Touch up minor paint damage caused by stones, etc.

7. Wax all painted surfaces.

8. Let the motorcycle dry completely before storing or covering it.

WARNING

CAUTION:

NOTE: Consult a Yamaha dealer for advice on what products to use.

See also:

 Yamaha MT-03 - Owner's Manual > Care and storage, specifications

 Yamaha MT-03 - Owner's Manual > Storage

Short-term Always store your motorcycle in a cool, dry place and, if necessary, protect it against dust with a porous cover. CAUTION: Storing the motorcycle in a poorly ventilated room or covering it with a tarp, while it is still wet, will allow water and humidity to seep in and cause rust. To prevent corrosion, avoid damp cellars, stables (because of the presence of ammonia) and areas where strong chemicals are stored.

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